Fitness Friday: Building Your Endurance

  I first have to say that I am not a personal trainer, or a doctor and that I am not telling you that you have to do this exercise routine.  Please consult a doctor before any exercise.
  There are two things that have built my endurance to run faster and work out longer.  First, the bleachers.  I run them as fast as I can and I run them back to back.  I have increased the number of how many sets I do over time.  Obviously be careful.  Second, my run walk sequence.  My normal 5K run I split up into run walks.  I will run the length of a block faster than I normally run.  Then the next block I walk.  I have increased it to two blocks but I won't do more than that.  Both of these help me control my breathing at my fastest and gets me to realize my potential.  Sounds funny but it is very true.  My husband does this with me and it has helped him as well.  Even if you are not a runner this will help you in any work out routine.  This also gives you a different work out.  We all know that is crucial when it comes to staying motivated.  Good luck and have fun!

4th of July Cards

  I am sending some "fire works" of my own to some of my friends and family for the 4th of July and I thought I would share.  I made the cards with random scrapbook paper and added the Pop Rocks for the "fire works".  Very simple and a great way to send some 4th of July wishes.

How I Water My Garden

  For a few years now my husband and I have grown a garden.  As any gardener may know you learn your own little tricks every year.  One trick I have learned is the way I water my garden.  While reading a magazine I read a tip to put buckets with holes in the bottom in your garden and fill them up with water every day.  With my time in a crunch in the morning I thought was a perfect idea, and it was.  I have a 3 1/2 ft. by 8 ft garden box and a bed that is the same size.  I have 3-5 gallon buckets in each one.  I fill them once in the morning and once at night and my garden thrives.  The buckets are berried about half in the ground.  The water goes to the roots quicker and the plants will drink what they need.

  Here are my pictures to show you how it looks.  I realize they are not the most attractive thing BUT you won't even see them after awhile because your plants will be so big.

Summer Time Tea

  My husband and I are big green tea drinkers.  We have always had it hot but I decided to add something to it to make it a nice cold summer drink.  Now, we have learned the brand that we like the most of green tea which is Good Earth.  There are some that are more grassy tasting (to us) than others.    So for us to enjoy this lovely drink in the middle of a hot summer day I have decided to add Crystal Lights Pink Lemonade to it!  You can use any kind of  pink lemonade drink or whatever you like.  It reminds me of Snapple's Ice Tea drinks but I like this better.   I put it in one of those jugs with a spout and keep it in my fridge.  We love it.  You could add something like a Moscato wine or Sprite to give something bubbly.  Happy ice cold Summer drink!

Fitness Friday: What's in my Gym Bag

  At work we have a small gym that we can use for FREE!  I try to go as often as I can on my lunch hour.  So when I do, I bring these essentials so I feel comfortable for the rest of the day.

1. Baby wipes are GREAT to have to wipe off any sweat and help you not feel sticky the rest of the day.  I bought the unscented, hypoallergenic ones.
2. My deodorant because...well...that's a given right?  I am currently using Tom's All Natural Deodorant.
3.  I take a body spray from Bath and Body Works in the scent Beautiful (how appropriate).  Body spray is light and refreshing and I am not over doing it like I would with perfume.

  Raid the travel section at the store.  Target's travel section is my favorite.
  Of course I bring my work out clothes and shoes.  I like to use the dry fit material to help with the sweat.  If you don't already have these try them.  Happy gym time!

 

Facebook Giveaway

  To launch my new Facebook page for my blog I am doing a giveaway!  If you are a subscriber to my blog but not a friend on my Facebook page which is Ohthethings Robyncando become my friend and read the rules and enter to win.  If I reach 100 Facebook friends by July 16, 2013 then you will get a $25 gift card to the place of your choice.  If I reach 200 friends I will double the prize!  So go check it out.  

My Favorite Products For Sensitive Skin

  As some of you may know I have EXTREMELY sensitive skin.  I have always had to be careful with what I use on my face and body.  Laundry detergents, lotions, soaps; you name it I have tried so many things to find what I can use and what I can't.  So for the longest time I didn't have a really good body wash and a body lotion.  However, I am here to share with you the products that work.

 
  For lotion I love using Vaseline's Total Moisture in Cocoa Radiant and body wash I use St. Ives Oatmeal & Shea Butter.  Both of these products are AMAZING and highly recommend them even if you don't have sensitive skin.  Let me know if you try it and what you think either comment below or on my Facebook page Ohthethings Robyncando.

Gift Wrapping For Guys

  Happy Father's Day to all of you fathers out there.  I know that this is a last minute post for Father's Day gift wrapping but you can use this idea for any gift for a guy.  I saw this on Pinterest BUT the link was to a cruise web site that they just used the image as a prop or whatever so I took it upon myself to give one to you.  It is really easy you just need a paper bag, construction or scrapbook paper and office supplies like a stapler/glue and scissors.

1.  Place your bag onto the construction paper you want for your shirt color.
Trace and cut it out.
2.  Draw a tie or bow tie and cut it out.
3.  Fold the top corners of the "shirt" to create a collar and then staple it to the bag.
4.  Place your tie or bow tie where it looks best and then staple or glue it.
5.  Glue buttons on the front of the "shirt" if you want to (or draw them on).

  There you have it!  Quick and easy gift wrapping.  You could do the same thing with a wrapped box on the front of it.  Every time I have a guy's birthday or event I never have manly wrapping paper so they end up with their present being wrapped in blue tissue paper (for some reason I ALWAYS have that) or stuffed in a bag.  Get creative with the paper choices, maybe put a "Hello My Name Is" sticker on it and you could put their name.  SEE!  The ideas just keep coming.  Enjoy, and happy gift wrapping.

Revamp and Relaunch

  Yes, I have been missing for quite some time.  But with good intent.  I was always running out of time with completing projects and I felt like I wasn't giving my blog the attention it needed.  I wanted to reinvent my blog.  Bring everything I love to do to my blog and feel like I am dedicated.  I wanted to plan out for a couple months so I maintained consistent posting and give a variety of subjects for everyone.   I also wanted to create a Facebook page just for you guys, and others that follow my blog but don't wish to subscribe.  Then when I do giveaways or ask for comments you can be included and I feel more in touch with everyone.  So I have!  My blog's Facebook page is Ohthethings Robyncando. Just request to be my friend and I will gladly accept you!  If you don't know me personally please tell me who sent you so I can thank them.  Thank you for all of your support.  I am truly honored to have you guys follow me.  I love sharing this part of my life with everyone.  Trust me it's not easy putting things out there but with all of you guys behind me it makes it worth it.  Enjoy!